Agility in Action - Example Two

Last week we took a look at an Example of Agility in Action, let’s see another real-life example of how embedding Agility into your systems enables you to make adjustments which create real value.

 Streamlining Workflows through Agile Principles – Example Two

The homebuilding sector is an intricate network of manufacturing, distribution, suppliers, and trades - each contributing a unique set of skills and expertise. When one trade becomes a constraint, the entire building process slows down limiting the builder’s entire through-put.  A strategic redistribution of tasks can be a game-changer. Let's delve into this concept using a practical example from a builder's perspective.

Our subject builder noticed an increase in demand for his homes, resulting in a significant rise in workload. On assessing his workflow, he identified framers as the primary constraint in his building process. The framer’s duties ranged from framing the shell, installing the exterior doors and windows, drying in, and weatherizing the house. The question arose – were any of these tasks able to be given to another trade which would increase the framer’s capacity?

Here's the action plan:

 Step 1: Identifying the Problem

The first course of action was a thorough assessment of the framer’s responsibilities and their scope of work. Much of their scope required their specific skills and expertise. However, there were a couple of those responsibilities which could potentially be handled by other trades.

 Step 2: Redistributing Tasks

Discuss the options and alternatives with the trades who come immediately after the constrained trade. It was decided that the exterior door and window installation did not require the framer’s level of skill. In fact, the door/window supplier did have a turnkey solution available and using their services had a positive effect on the warranty of the windows. 

 Step 3: Implementing the Solution

Rewrote the scopes of work for the trades, negotiated cost reductions from the framers (thank you itemization!) and created new products for the window/door installer. The new installers worked with the warranty team to ensure they understood the flashing and installation requirements to ensure warranty issues for buyers do not occur because of the change.  Lastly, reworked the schedules and reduced the time required by the framer and added the task to the new installer.

 Step 4: Result - A Testament to Agile Principles

The redistribution of tasks led to a smoother workflow and an increase in the capacity of the framer.  The added work of window/door installation did require the distributor to staff up but since they were not the greatest constraint, it didn’t have an impact on the builder’s through-put. Overall, the builder was able to increase their production capacity by 8% as a result. It would have been 10% but it was discovered the next greatest constraint was the plumber so…on to the next. 

 This real-life case demonstrates how applying Agile principles can effectively mitigate constraints in the homebuilding process. A strategic reallocation of tasks based on the existing skills and expertise of trades can significantly enhance overall productivity. Hence, whenever a bottleneck appears, consider redistributing tasks. It's a practical solution that could greatly improve your efficiency and keep you ahead in the competitive homebuilding industry.

As a reminder, Pro Builder Media is publishing a series of articles of ours on Agility. From time-to-time, I will post real world examples of how to embed agility into your operation. Go to probuilder.com under the Leadership thread to find the first two of the articles.